Don’t let heating costs wreck your budget this winter. Following these tips will help you save on heating costs. Some of these tips may be painfully obvious, but some may be unconventional ideas you wouldn’t think of.
Strategically manage your windows
Windows are much less insulated than walls and present a source of heat loss in your home. You can use plastic film kits to offer another layer of protection. Curtains and blinds can also be useful for blocking the cold, but you’ll want to let in warming sunlight. So have your blinds and curtains open when sunlight is present and closed when it’s dusk.
Let hot water add heat and humidity
We all know that humid air feels hotter than dry air, but humid air can also feel colder than dry air. However, overly dry air can be uncomfortable and wreak havoc on your skin. Rather than using a humidifier, allow for humidity and heat to be dispersed in your home naturally. Instead of having your exhaust fan on, shower with the door cracked open. Additionally, you can cook and bake at home, or drain your dishwasher into a plugged sink (if your setup allows for this). You may also think of venting your dryer indoors, but this can be dangerous and is against building codes in many states.
Improve your circulation
Improving your circulation will help you feel warmer. If you have proper circulation, you may be able to tolerate a lower thermostat setting. You can boost your circulation in various ways such as with exercise, massage, staying hydrated, and reducing stress. Read tips to improve your circulation.
Seal up cracks
Doors, walls, and windows can have cracks and gaps that let in cold air. Check if weather stripping and sweeps your doors and windows are in good shape and replace if necessary. There can also be holes created from wiring, water pipes, and HVAC ducts that you may be able to do some sealing around with insulation.
Inspect your refrigerator
Make sure the gaskets on your refrigerator / freezer are in good shape and not leaking cold air. If there’s ice or condensation on them, you likely have a problem.
Manage your thermostat
When you leave your home, lower your thermostat 10 to 15 degrees and raise it back up to a normal temperature when you get home. A smart thermostat can handle this task for you. The “normal” temperature can be slightly less comfortable than you’d like if you’re pinching pennies, and you can just bundle up a little.
Only heat bedrooms at night
Why heat rooms that you’re not going to be in for hours at a time? You can turn down your heat at night and utilize a space heater in your bedroom. Or during the day, you can have a low thermostat setting and just bring the space heater into whatever room you’re currently in.
Close your flue
When you’re not using your fireplace, be sure and close your flue. You don’t want hot air escaping up your chimney.
Research alternative energy
Depending on where your house is located, you may save money in the long run utilizing alternative renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or geothermal. Do some research and calculate if the upfront costs would be offset by your energy savings.
Improve your home’s insulation
This may be the most difficult and expensive item on the list, but it could also save you the most money in the long run (generally 10% to 50% on your energy bill). Upgrading the R-value (resistance to heat transfer) of your home’s insulation can make a huge difference, especially if you live in an older home that doesn’t utilize newer, better insulation products. Walls can be tricky to insulate yourself and may require a professional, but if you have an attic, you can easily replace the insulation yourself or simply throw new insulation on top of whatever is currently there. Read more home insulation tips at energy.gov.
Run ceiling fans clockwise
During the winter, you’ll want to switch your ceiling fans to blow upward. This updraft pulls cool air up and pushes warm air near the ceiling down. Many fans have a simple switch on the bottom to reverse the direction.
Change air filters
If your furnace air filter is clogged with dust, it won’t operate efficiently. It’ll have to work harder to circulate air in your home, and it’ll result in longer heating cycles. Change furnace air filters regularly at recommended intervals. It’ll improve your air quality, and save you money.
We hope this have given you some ideas to save money on your heating bills this winter. If you’re looking for another way to save money and protect your home, request a quote from A and H Insurance today. We are an independent agency and get you quotes from multiple carriers to get you the home insurance coverage you need at a price that fits your budget.
Do you have any home energy saving tips we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments on Facebook.
